World War II

 Created by Kathryn McKinney

 

Baseball Saved Us (written by Ken Mochizuki)

This is a tale about life in a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II.  Thousands of Japanese-Americans are forced to relocate to a camp after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Shorty and his friends build a baseball field where he discovers a lot about himself and others.

 

Faithful Elephants (written by Yukio Tsuchiya)

In this story, a zookeeper tells a story about life in the Ueno Zoo when bombs were dropped on the city during World War II.  Due to the government’s concern about wild animals running loose when bombs hit the zoo, the elephants are allowed to starve to death.

      

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (written by Eleanor Coerr)

This story is based on the real story about a little girl named Sadako.  Several years after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, she discovered that she had leukemia.  This story follows her as she is admitted into a hospital and dies.

 

Twenty and Ten (written by Claire Huchet Bishop)

This story takes place during the German occupation of France during World War II.  Twenty French children agree to hide ten Jewish children in their school.  They struggle through the loss of their guardian and encounter several curious Nazi soldiers who insist on searching the grounds. 

 

North Carolina Standard Course of Study Alignments

5th Grade

Social Studies:

1.1 Identify, locate, and describe major groups of people, past and present, in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

1.3 Assess the role and status of individuals and groups in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, past and present.

2.3 Analyze economic, social, and political situations, which involve ethical and moral dilemmas.

7.1 Explain how the world is organized politically.

7.2 Explain how nation-states interact with each other.

7.3 Describe how United States foreign policy is made and the means by which it is carried out.

7.4 Identify the role of major international organizations.

10.3 Evaluate the influence of discoveries, inventions, and technological innovations on economic interdependence

12.1 Identify people, symbols, and events associated with the heritage of the United States, Canada, and Latin America

12.3 Trace an economic, political, or social development through the history of the United States, Canada, or Latin America and judge its impact on society.

Language Arts:

1.02 Select key vocabulary critical to the text and apply appropriate meanings as necessary for comprehension.

1.03 Increase reading and writing vocabulary through wide reading, word study, word reference materials, content area study, writing process elements, writing as a tool, debate, discussions, seminars, and examining the author’s craft.

1.04 Use word reference materials (e.g., glossary, dictionary, thesaurus, on-line reference tools) to identify and comprehend unknown words.

1.05 Read independently daily from self-selected materials (consistent with the student’s independent reading level) to increase fluency, build background knowledge, as well as expand and refine vocabulary.

2.01 Use metacognitive strategies independently and flexibly to monitor comprehension and extend vocabulary (e.g., skim, scan, reread the text, consult other sources, ask for help, summarize, paraphrase, question).

2.02 Interact with the text before, during, and after reading, listening, and viewing by making predictions, formulating questions, supporting answers from textual information, previous experience, and/or other sources, drawing on personal, literary, and cultural understandings, and seeking additional information.

2.03 Read a variety of texts, such as:

fiction (tall tales, myths).

nonfiction (books of true experience, newspaper and magazine articles, schedules).

poetry (narrative, lyric, and cinquains).

drama (plays and skits).

2.04 Identify elements of fiction and nonfiction and support by referencing the text to determine the:

plot development.

author’s choice of words.

effectiveness of figurative language (e.g., personification, flashback).

2.05 Evaluate inferences, conclusions, and generalizations and provide evidence by referencing the text(s).

2.09 Listen actively and critically by:

asking questions.

delving deeper into the topic.

elaborating on the information and ideas presented.

evaluating information and ideas.

making inferences and drawing conclusions.

making judgments.

3.01 Respond to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama using interpretive, critical, and evaluative processes by:

analyzing word choice and content.

examining reasons for a character’s actions, taking into account the situation and basic motivation of the character.

creating and presenting a product that effectively demonstrates a personal response to a selection or experience.

examining alternative perspectives.

3.02 Make connections between texts by recognizing similarities and differences based on a common lesson, theme, or message.

3.03 Justify evaluation of characters and events from different selections by citing supporting evidence in the text(s).

3.06 Conduct research (with assistance) from a variety of sources for assigned or self-selected projects (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people, libraries, databases, computer networks).

4.01 Read aloud grade-appropriate text with fluency, comprehension, expression, and personal style demonstrating an awareness of volume, pace, audience, and purpose.

4.02 Use oral and written language to:

formulate hypotheses.

evaluate information and ideas.

present and support arguments.

influence the thinking of others.

 

Twenty and Ten
Section 1 (pages 11-30)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: Henry, Janet, Arthur, or Sister Gabriel.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 6 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Prediction

1 MCEOG 1 Setting

1 Point of View 2 Your Choice

Passaqe Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page #and paragraph):

1 Descriptive 1 Intriguing 1 Surprising

1 Your Choice

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 3 of the following words:

refugees (p. 12, par. 4) cross (p. 14, par. 4) crestfallen (p. 17, par. 2) pummeling (p. 18, par. 2) vehemently (p. 26, par. 3)

Investigator

Your job is to do research about ration cards. Here are the web sites and sources to use along with questions to guide your search:

*Go to www.Yahooliqans.com and type in "World War II, ration cards" in the search box. Click "Search". Click on the "Home Front" site.

*Type in www.battleofbritain.net in the "Search" box. Click "Remembering the Blitz". Click "Rationing".

 

When did rationing begin?

Why did was rationing used?

What was each person allowed per week? What were ration books?

How did people buy food with ration books?

Name two other things that were rationed and tell why. Who invented "Spam" and why?

 

Character Sketcher Section 1

 

 

 

 

 

Section 1 Discussion Director Questions and Answers

1.) Whose footsteps do you think Henry and Janet heard? (p. 30, par. 5)

I think Henry and Janet heard a Nazi soldier's footsteps. Maybe he was spying on them, or it could have been George. George seems jealous of Henry, so he might have wondered what they were up to.

2.) All of these words describe Henry except which one?

a.) unselfish

b.) clever

c.) shy

d.) fifth-grader

3.)Describe where the children lived. (p. 12, lines 1-4)

They lived in a "lovely old house on top of a mountain" in France. That means they probably had a great view from several directions. There was a beautiful valley below them. There was also a creek nearby and lots of caves as well.

4.) Who is telling this story and how do you know? (p. 11, par. 3)

Janet is telling the story. On page 11, paragraph 3, She says, "My name is Janet." She keeps on using the word "I" throughout as well.

5.) Why did Henry say the chocolate was "pure gold"? (p. 27, par. 5)

Chocolate, like gold, was something that the children did not have a lot of. It had been a long time since any of them had had it anyway because of the war and rationing. To Henry, the chocolate was precious and worth a lot.

6.) What genre is Twenty and Ten, and why do you think so?

This is a historical fiction story because even though everything did not really happen exactly as the author wrote, it actually could have. The places are real and the searching for Jews by the Nazis was real.

Passage Picker for Sec 1

Intriguing-(p. 18, par. 7)

"We did ... to speak"

This is an intriguing passage because the man and his reason for being there is a mystery that the kids want to figure out.

Do you think he is a Jew? Why or why not?

This passage was included in the book to set the stage for the request of safety for the Jewish children. It makes more sense for someone to ask the nun personally, to hide the kids.

Serious-(p. 21, par. 2)

"Sister Gabriel...you understand?"

This is a serious passage because of the response made by Sister Gabriel. She wants the French children to understand that they must never betray the hiding place of the Jewish children. She wants them to clearly understand that the Nazis may do anything to try and find out.

Do you think someone will "spill the beans?"

This passage was included because the author wants us to understand the risk involved in harboring Jewish people, no matter how old they are.

Surprising-(p. 25, par. 8)

"I am ... my soup"

I was surprised that Henry gave Arthur his soup. That was his very favorite soup, but he gave it away so Arthur could have more to eat.

Did Henry seem to struggle with his decision to give the soup away or did he gladly do it?

The author included this passage because it lets us see more into the character of Henry.

Significant-(p. 30, par. 5)

"After that ... my hand."

This is definitely significant (important) because it sets the mood of the story. Someone is obviously watching them. They need to find out who it was.

Who do you think it was?

The author included this passage to make the seriousness of spying more real. The kids never knew if Nazis were going to look for the Jewish children.

 

WORD WIZARD

 

 

 

Investigator Answers:

Rationing of food began in Great Britain in January 1940, after the war broke out. There was a major shortage of food due to the dangerous routes on sea. Most of the food in Great Britain was imported and many ships were in danger of being sunk before reaching their destination. Each person was allowed to have a certain amount of food per week. Examples include: 3 pints of milk, 8oz. Of sugar, 4oz of butter, 4oz of bacon, 2oz of tea, 1oz of cheese, and 1 egg. Each family had to register with one food store and could only buy food from that store for the rest of the time rationing was in effect. Each person would be given a booklet containing coupons that could be traded in for the week's supply of food. Spam was introduced by America as a cheaper alternative to meat. It could be eaten hot or cold.

During this time, clothing and petrol (gasoline) were also rationed. Material was scarce for the same reason that food was. Most of the gasoline in the country went to the military. The major group affected was the wealthier citizens. They were the ones to own cars.

 

Twenty and Ten

Section 2 (pages 31-53)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: Henry, Janet, Arthur, or Denise.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Prediction

1 MCEOG

1 Cause and Effect

2 Your Choice

Passage Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page # and paragraph):

1 Descriptive

1 Frightening

1 Surprising

1 Your Choice

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 3 of the following words:

Harsh (p. 34, par. 2)

Hoisted (p. 38, line 3)

Quarrel (p. 39, par. 1)

Fortnight (p. 40, par. 4)

Crook (p. 41, par. 2)

Betray (p. 46, par. 5)

Summarizer

Your job is to write a brief summary of today’s reading. Be sure to include key points and events/highlights of today’s assignment.

Section 2 Summarizer:

 

The reading for today began when Henry asked Janet to go with him to the place where they hid the chocolate. They told Arthur to come along as well. When they got to the special place, Arthur looked and noticed that the chocolate was gone. All of a sudden, they saw who took it…Denise. They ran after her, but she disappeared from sight. They soon realized why they couldn’t find her anymore. She had fallen into a huge hole in the ground (the cave). They all explored the cave and then were sworn to secrecy about its whereabouts.

In the next chapter, Sister Gabriel decided to go to town to check the mail. While she was gone, the children played outside. They noticed two Nazi soldiers making their way up the road to the house. They sent the Jewish children to the secret cave to hide. The two Nazi soldiers came to the house and wanted the children to tell where the Jewish children were. Nobody spoke. The soldiers decided to take Henry to a different part of the house for questioning. During the night, Janet awoke because she felt a hand on her mouth. It was Henry. He had been put in the coal shed, but had escaped.

KEY POINTS:

Chocolate gone

Cave found

Sister Gabriel went to town

Nazi soldiers spotted

Jewish children hidden

Nazi soldiers come to the house to find Jewish children

Nobody betrayed the Jewish children

Twenty and Ten

Section 3 (pages 54-76)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: Henry, Janet, Arthur, or Phillip.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Prediction

1 MCEOG

1 Opinion

2 Your Choice

Passage Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page # and paragraph):

1 Simile

1 Intriguing

1 Problem/Solution

1 Your Choice

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 3 of the following words:

Dormitory (p. 56, par. 3)

Sternly (p. 58, par. 3)

Obstinate (p. 59, line 5)

Stealthily (p. 59, par. 3)

Aghast (p. 66, par. 5)

Impudent (p. 71, par. 2)

 

Illustrator:

Your job is to draw some kind of picture related to today’s reading. It can be a sketch, cartoon, diagram, or stick-figure scene. Also write a brief paragraph that describes what you drew and why.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Section 4 (pages 7-27)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: Sadako, Mrs. Sasaki, Mr. Sasaki, or Masahiro.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Prediction

1 MCEOG

1 Opinion

2 Your Choice

Passage Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page # and paragraph):

1 Simile

1 Foreshadowing

1 Descriptive

1 Your Choice

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 2 of the following words:

Radiation (p. 7, par 2)

Heroine (p. 7, par. 3)

Fidgeted (p. 11, par. 6)

Kimono (p. 26, par. 4)

Connector

Your job is to connect the reading to the outside world. Write a paragraph that includes who the connection is about, where and when it happened, what happened, and how it connects with the part of the story you read.

 

Section 4 Connector

 

I chose to connect Sadako’s excitement about going to the Peace Day celebration with my sons’ excitement about going to Dollywood. In paragraph 2, page 10, Sadako woke her brother up by exclaiming that it was Peace Day. She helped her other siblings get up and get dressed in the next two paragraphs. She rushed around like a whirlwind and wanted to hurry through breakfast so they could leave. On page 11, paragraph 6, she couldn’t help but be fidgety. That is so much like my oldest son, Aaron. He gets so excited when he finds out we are going to go to Dollywood. He usually can’t sleep the night before, and the next morning he jumps out of bed without complaining about being tired. This is totally opposite on school days. He wants everyone to hurry through breakfast and usually aggravates his younger brother, Ian. He is fidgety all the way to Tennessee. When we get there, he wants to push ahead of everyone else so he can do everything possible inside the park. Sadako did the same thing. She couldn’t wait to go the celebration.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Section 5 (pages 28-47)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: Sadako, Chizuko, Kenji, or Nurse Yasunaga.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Prediction

1 MCEOG

1 Heroine

2 Your Choice

Passage Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page # and paragraph):

1 Descriptive

1 Foreshadowing

1 Depressing

1 Your Choice

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 2 of the following words:

Murmur (p. 29, par. 4)

Omen (p. 36, par. 1)

Mischief (p. 37, par. 4)

Flustered (p. 44, par. 6)

Investigator

Your job is to find information about leukemia. Here are the sources to use:

Go to www.yahooligans.com. Type in leukemia and click on "search". Click on choice #4 (www.assureacure.com). Also try choice #3 (www.jamesline.com).

Answer these questions:

* What is it?

* Who gets it?

* How does someone get it?

* What are some symptoms?

 

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Section 6 (pages 48-64)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: Sadako, or Mrs. Sasaki.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Genre

1 MCEOG

1 Cause and Effect

2 Your Choice

Passage Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page # and paragraph):

1 Metaphor

1 Sad

2 Your Choice

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 2 of the following words:

Musty (p. 48, par. 1)

Listless (p. 48, par. 2)

Wistful (p. 49, line 3)

Granite (p. 64, par. 3)

Illustrator

Your job is to draw some kind of picture related to today’s reading. It can be a sketch, cartoon, diagram, or stick-figure scene. Also write a brief paragraph that describes what you drew and why.

The Faithful Elephants

Section 7 (entire book)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: zookeeper or John.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 5 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Cause and Effect

1 MCEOG

1 Opinion

1 Your Choice

1 Point of View

Passage Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page # and paragraph):

1 Simile

1 Sad

1 Your Choice

1 Descriptive

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 3 of the following words:

Monument (p. 5, par. 1)

Clever (p. 9, par. 1)

Syringe (p. 12, par. 2)

Reluctantly (p. 12, par. 2)

Tottering (p. 14, par. 4)

Implored (p. 27, par. 1)

 

Investigator

Your job is to investigate information about the bombings on Tokyo. Here are several sources to use:

Go to www.yahoo.com, type in Tokyo, bombing, World War II, then click "search". Click on #1 (www.wikipedia.org) to find out:

* When did the raids begin?

* How were the raids carried out?

* How many died as a result?

Try clicking on choice #11 (www.users.pandora.be). Click on "Doolittle’s Tokyo Raid". Find out why the raids even took place. Were they done before or after the US dropped the atomic bombs?

Baseball Saved Us

Section 8 (entire book)

Character Sketcher

Your job is to sketch one of the following characters: Mom, Dad, Teddy, narrator.

Discussion Director

Your job is to ask 6 questions, the answers to your questions, and the page and paragraph where the answers are found (if possible). Ask good thinking questions! Ask the following types of questions:

1 Hero

1 MCEOG

1 Setting

1 Point of View

2 Your Choice

Passage Picker

Pick 4 passages that exhibit the following (with page # and paragraph):

1 Descriptive

1 Opinion

1 Surprising

1 Your Choice

Word Wizard

Your job is to complete your role sheet for 3 of the following words:

Infield (p. 5, par. 4)

Sagebrush (p. 12, par 1)

Irrigation (p. 12, par. 2)

Glinting (p. 18, par. 1)

Connector

Your job is to connect the reading to the outside world. Write a paragraph that includes who the connection is about, where and when it happened, what happened, and how it connects with the part of the story you read.